Pianist Satoko Fujii has done more than pay her dues in her native homeland of Japan. In thirteen previous solo releases the performer has refined her combined style of free jazz interpolation as well as pushed forward into more international territory within the US. Bell the Cat! finds the tumultuous assailant confronting melodic and soloing capabilities with equal doses of restraint and resolution. The opening piece is possibly the best representative of this approach with an adept rhythmic accompaniment. A path through the chaos doesn’t have to be resolved all at once; there are many moments of ambiguity and struggle that alludes to the best of free jazz. Mark Dresser is on upright bass having spent time on the free jazz circuit with John Zorn and Anthony Braxton. Drummer Jim Black also has an impressive resumé, ranging from work with Kenny Wheeler and Dewey Redman to Tim Berne. The trio has really come along with this third collective outing, as time does wonders for intricacy and intimacy. As an example, “Confluence” is a soliloquy that begins with rattling percussion before Dresser’s persistent bass pulse enters the fold. After Fujii enters with her creepy outburst, the piece increases in drama and tension making it one of the most satisfying and incendiary. In direct contrast the follow-on track, “Foot Step,” is a careful resolution shrouded in clever deception. Overall, this trio is a must-see live monster that needs be seen to be fully appreciated.

Latest news

2020-05-15Phil May of The Pretty Things RIP –
We were saddened to learn that Phil May, lead singer and founding member of The Pretty Things, has died at the age of 75. The band's 1968 album S.F. Sorrow is one of the enduring classics of the psychedelic era, and the group existed in various forms until finally retiring in 2018. »
Read more

2020-05-14Jorge Santana RIP –
Jorge Santana, noted guitarist, leader of the band Malo and brother to Carlos Santan, died on May 14 at the age of 68. Jorge and Carlos worked together on a number of occasions, though Jorge's career was centered around Malo, solo work, and with Fania All-Stars. »
Read more

2020-05-06Florian Schneider RIP –
Florian Schneider, one of the founders of the pioneering electronic group Kraftwerk, has died at the age of 73. Co-founder Ralf Hütter announced that his bandmate had passed away from cancer after a brief illness. »
Read more

2020-04-23Shindig Festival Goes Lock-Down –
Here's what they're saying: It's A Happening Thing! The Shindig! Magazine Lockdown Festival. In our days of no large gatherings of people, maybe it's still possible to have a music festival. Shindig! Magazine is giving it a go with a multi-artist streaming extravaganza on Saturday April 25. »
Read more

2020-03-24Bill Rieflin RIP –
The sad news reaches us today of Bill Rieflin's death. Rieflin was best known as a drummer in bands ranging from post-punk to industrial to indie-rock to progressive rock, including work with The Blackouts, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Swans, Land, and King Crimson. Rieflin had been battling cancer for several years, and succumbed to it on March 24. He was 59. »
Read more

Previously in Exposé...

Bob Drake - The Skull Mailbox –
Bob Drake may be a genius, but it is fair to say that, as far as the results of his craft go, he is more than a bit scatterbrained. The Skull Mailbox is chock full of ideas, often more than one for...
(2002) »
Read more